Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur Treks 10 km to Reach Disaster-Hit Thunag; Urges Swift Relief and BRO Support for Road Restoration. 

Shimla:

Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Saturday visited the flood-ravaged Seraj region, highlighting the extent of devastation and delays in relief efforts. With no road connectivity to Thunag even five days after the disaster, Thakur undertook a 10-kilometer trek from his residence to reach the affected village of Lambathach, making stops along the way to meet victims and assess damage firsthand.

Addressing the media at Thunag, Thakur expressed frustration over the continued delay in reopening key roads and restoring basic services in the region. “We had informed the authorities on the very first day about the road conditions. Even after five days, major roads are yet to be restored. This is unacceptable,” he stated.

BRO Assistance Requested for Road Restoration

To expedite recovery, Thakur said the state should seek assistance from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to restore essential road connectivity in the affected areas. He emphasized that the primary focus must be on reopening main roads, which are crucial for transporting relief supplies and restoring communication.

Personal Outreach to Affected Families

During his visit to Thunag, Lambathach, Sharan, Bharari, Surah, Pakhrer, Jarehd, Murhala, Leh Thach, and Kadoon, Jairam Thakur met with affected families, many of whom are staying in relief camps. The scenes of destruction, he said, were heartbreaking. “The joy and greenery that once filled these villages has turned into ruins,” he said emotionally. “The loss of human lives is irreparable. We can rebuild homes and roads, but we can never bring back those we lost.”

He visited relief camps in Sharan, Bharari, Surah, and others, noting that over 500 people are currently staying in temporary shelters across various locations. He instructed local officials to ensure that each camp is fully stocked with rations, drinking water, electricity, and medicines. He also thanked the Indian Army and local volunteers who are delivering food supplies manually and through mules in remote areas.

Letters Sent to Union Ministers Seeking Greater Support

Jairam Thakur has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, requesting enhanced central assistance for the flood-affected areas in Himachal Pradesh. He called for urgent intervention in accelerating relief efforts and infrastructure restoration.

Immediate Relief Funds Ordered After Local Outrage

During interactions with locals, Thakur encountered anger and frustration over the fact that emergency relief funds had not been released even five days after the disaster. Affected residents voiced their disappointment, saying they felt neglected. In response, Thakur instructed administrative officials present at the scene to release interim relief amounts without further delay.

He also chaired a review meeting with Thunag SDM Rajat Sethi and other local officials, directing them to restore essential services like electricity, water, and road access on a priority basis. He urged the administration to prepare a complete list of families currently residing in relief shelters to ensure long-term assistance and rehabilitation.

Cooperation Across Party Lines

Later in the day, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh also arrived in Thunag to review the damage. Jairam Thakur accompanied him during a joint inspection and briefed him on the magnitude of destruction in the region. Despite political differences, both leaders emphasized the need for united action and coordinated government response.

Relief Camp Population as per Jairam Thakur’s Survey:

• Bharari: 50 people

• Sharan: 50

• Surah: 40

• Lambathach: 20

• Thunadi: 130

• Pakhrer: 40

• Jarehd: 25

• Deji Jhundi: 30

• Bahlidhar: 5

• Murhala: 60

• Leh Thach: 35

• Kahra: 15

• Kadoon: 60

Jairam Thakur concluded his visit by thanking the Army, police, local volunteers, and administration for their support, while urging for faster action to meet the critical needs of the people. His visit added momentum to the relief efforts and brought attention to the urgent infrastructural and humanitarian needs of the Seraj region.